The Tecno Camon 15 Air and Realme C11 (2021) represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Camon 15 Air prioritizes a more efficient processor, while the C11 (2021) opts for a newer, albeit less refined, chipset architecture. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and efficiency, the Tecno Camon 15 Air is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, offers a more balanced experience than the Realme C11 (2021)'s Unisoc SC9863A, which suffers from a larger 28nm node and a split core configuration.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 13. Released 2020, April 13 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 384 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (3G) | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Malachite Blue, Ice lake Blue, Misty Gray | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | CD6, CD6S | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Tecno Camon 15 Air
- More efficient processor (Helio P22, 12nm)
- Likely better sustained performance
- Potentially longer battery life
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Older chipset architecture
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Newer chipset architecture (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Potentially lower cost
- Less efficient processor (Unisoc SC9863A, 28nm)
- Likely lower sustained performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for display prowess. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are unavailable, but both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates is expected. Bezels are likely substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing saturation over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the focus should be on daylight photography, as low-light performance will be limited on both. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely prioritize sharpening and contrast to compensate for sensor limitations.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Camon 15 Air’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This mature process node provides a significant advantage in power efficiency compared to the Realme C11 (2021)’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The SC9863A employs a big.LITTLE architecture with four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. While Cortex-A55 cores are more efficient *per clock cycle* than A53, the larger 28nm process and the split core configuration mean the SC9863A will likely consume more power for similar tasks. This translates to potentially noticeable slowdowns under sustained load on the Realme C11 (2021).
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. However, the Helio P22’s superior efficiency in the Tecno Camon 15 Air will translate to longer screen-on time. The Realme C11 (2021) offers 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Camon 15 Air. While 10W charging is slow, the reverse charging capability allows the C11 (2021) to act as a power bank for accessories, a niche benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 15 Air if you need a phone that handles everyday tasks – browsing, social media, and light app usage – smoothly and consistently. Its more efficient processor translates to better battery life during typical use. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prioritize reverse wired charging and are willing to accept potentially lower performance and less efficient power consumption in exchange for a slightly newer chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with multitasking?
The Unisoc SC9863A's split core configuration and larger process node mean it may exhibit slowdowns when handling multiple apps simultaneously. While it can manage basic multitasking, demanding applications or numerous open apps could lead to noticeable lag. The Tecno Camon 15 Air's Helio P22 is better suited for moderate multitasking.
❓ How significant is the difference in power efficiency between the Helio P22 and the SC9863A?
The difference is substantial. The Helio P22's 12nm process is significantly more efficient than the SC9863A's 28nm process. This means the Camon 15 Air will consume less power for the same tasks, resulting in longer battery life and less heat generation. This efficiency gap is a key differentiator.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C11 (2021) useful in practice?
The 10W reverse charging is slow and best suited for emergencies or charging small accessories like wireless earbuds. It won't quickly charge a smartphone, but it can provide a small boost if you're in a pinch. It's a niche feature that may appeal to some users.
